"We are getting close to the finish line; however, we are not there," Padres executive chairman Ron Fowler wrote in an email Tuesday night. "Much could change in the next 12-15 hours."

According to sources, the Padres are likely to announce their GM hire on Wednesday in a press conference at Petco Park.

Preller and Yankees Assistant GM Billy Eppler had been considered the two favorites for the job, which was vacated when the Padres fired Josh Byrnes on June 22.

Preller has worked inside the Rangers' organization for the last 10 years. The 36-year-old Cornell graduate currently oversees player development and scouting for the Rangers. His perceived strength is international scouting, an area of renewed focus for the Padres.